The Housemaid Author Reveals Why Sydney Sweeney's Movie Outshines the Book

Every so often, an author watches Hollywood tackle their book and says the quiet part out loud: the movie wins. That is exactly where we are with The Housemaid. Freida McFadden saw Paul Feig's big-screen version, starring Sydney Sweeney, a full three months before release, and she is calling it better than her own novel.

McFadden saw it early and did not hold back

On September 16, 2025, McFadden posted her reaction on Instagram after an early screening. She loved it, told her husband on the way out that it topped the book, and he agreed. She said the film nails what readers connected with in the novel, and she was all-in on the performances across the board. It even almost got her to consider writing another Housemaid book — almost — and she joked that waiting until December to watch it again is going to be rough.

'Better than the book.'

So why does the movie play better?

Speaking at the New York premiere, McFadden explained that the ending is what pushed her over the top — it sends the whole thing out with a bang. She would not spoil anything, but she did confirm in a separate chat that the film changes the book's ending and, in her opinion, improves it. There is more action, which she thinks makes total sense for a theatrical version.

She also gave Paul Feig a big shout-out for dialing in the exact tone she wanted: a blend of darkly funny and unsettling. She is fully on the Feig train right now and called him her favorite director at the moment.

When you can see it, and who is in it

The Housemaid hits theaters on December 19, 2025.

• Sydney Sweeney
• Amanda Seyfried
• Brandon Sklenar
• Michele Morrone
• Ellen Tamaki

Short version: the author thinks the adaptation sticks the landing harder than the book. That is rare, and it is a pretty great sign heading into release.